Event is set for Sat., June 8 at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
VANCOUVER — National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) will bring community partners together at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (NHS) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat., June 8.
Held on public lands throughout the country, National Get Outdoors Day is a free, family-friendly event promoting healthy, active, outdoor fun.
Get Outdoors Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (NHS) is an event that brings together over 35 land management agencies, non-profits, and outdoor-based businesses to introduce the public to fun outdoor activities. Booths and food vendors will be lined along East Fifth Street, to the west of Pearson Air Museum.
“We love working with all of these partners at Get Outdoors Day to help encourage kids and families to experience their public lands,” said Gifford Pinchot National Forest Acting Supervisor Angie Elam.
Partners of Get Outdoors Day at Fort Vancouver NHS include the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Vancouver, Clark County, the National Park Service, the Friends of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and the Parks Foundation of Clark County.
“Get Outdoors Day brings together multiple agencies and organizations to provide a lively event full of activities and opportunities that embrace the health benefits that outdoor recreation provides,” Fortmann continued. “As an urban national park, Fort Vancouver NHS serves as an ideal gateway to national parks, forests, trails, and other public lands. Hands-on activities will include fishing, archery, soccer, cross-cut sawing, and rock climbing.
As part of Get Outdoors Day, the Friends of Fort Vancouver will host two separate lectures at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center (1501 E Evergreen Boulevard). From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Native American artist Lillian Pitt will share stories of the Columbia River People with children from “Salmon and Coyote Tell my Family Stories.” Lillian’s stories talk about the importance of family traditions and the cultural roles shared by Salmon and Coyote.
Then, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Volcanologist and author Kevin Scott will present “The Voice of This Stone: Learning from Volcanic Disasters Around the World.” In “The Voice of This Stone,” a volcanologist with five decades of scientific study and boots-on-the-ground experience shares his expert knowledge. Through more than a dozen case studies from around the globe, Dr. Kevin Scott offers chilling details about what happened before, during, and after infamous volcanic cataclysms. By deciphering the histories of other disasters, Scott proposes, lives can and will be spared. Dr. Scott will also be on hand to sign copies of his book.
For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/getoutdoorsvancouver
Brigade Encampment
Another important part of the day is the Brigade Encampment re-enactment. The national park’s annual event celebrates the return of Hudson’s Bay Company fur brigades to Fort Vancouver. Costumed volunteers will demonstrate cooking, crafts, games, dances, and music of the 1840s. Black powder demonstrations of replica 1840s weaponry will also take place.
“The Brigade Encampment speaks to an important chapter in Pacific Northwest history, and the public at Get Outdoors Day can speak with volunteer re-enactors as they demonstrate the rugged lives of fur traders and their families. The Encampment also serves as a reminder that not so long ago, camping was not a recreational activity, but rather away of life,” said Superintendent Tracy Fortmann.
The Brigade Encampment will take place on the Great Meadow, just north of East Fifth Street and across from Pearson Air Museum, 1115 East 5th Street, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information please contact the park Visitor Center by calling (360) 816-6230.
